Leafs decline

Could be a fine trade if it happens after a different move

Yeah if the Leafs trade for Hellebuyck or a legitimate #1 goalie sure

My assumption is that new management goes after a proven #1 and this lands them a back up and an asset.

I definitely agree about Garland. Getting him at 4mil or under would be a good deal. I would hope maybe they could do it without giving up Smith though - but that's fine if not.

If they sign Orlov, my guess is he plays 2nd pair with Petry. Orlov/Letang might be to offense/puck moving heavy - might want to split them up. That would be a great top 2 pairings though

Very well could be. I think I'd be ok with Graves or Gavrikov too. Either way I really think they need an additional proven LD in that top 4 as I'm not sure Smith/POJ are ready.

Graves and Gavrikov are good choices as well. I'm probably in the minority by thinking POJ and Smith are fine down the left side. POJ proved himself as a 2nd pair guy last year - and I'd be surprised if Smith can't hold his own with Rutta on a 3rd pair.

I'm open to either option. I have no issues with them signing another LHD - I just hope they fix the 3rd line first. That's priority numero uno for me

I'm with you on that third line situation. Carter can't play next season and Granlund needs moved/bought out.

I was focused on the LD situation because of the reports that had Sullivan begging Hextal to make a move for Chychrun. I think he wants another proven 20+ minute a night guy.

Exactly. I feel like the Granlund buyout is a pretty obvious fix. Carter should be benched - I feel like they can still put together a solid team while eating his cap on the bench. Honestly he looked half decent at the end of the year when he was on the 4th line. If he plays 4RW or just fills in during injuries and only plays like 30-40 games - he might actually be okay. Still a waste of money - but serviceable at least.

True - and I have no issues with them going out and trying to improve in that area. I can see both sides. Was Pettersson hurt before or after he was asking for Chycrun? Can't remember if that played a factor or not?

Sullivan was reportedly asking in late November, early December. It was just before Letang got hurt, so way before Pettersson. I think he recognized Dumo's limitations early.

Gotcha gotcha - wish he recognized it a little earlier haha